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Rosell defends Neymar's deal before Spanish court

Madrid, July 23 IANS | 1 year ago

Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell was questioned in Spain's criminal high court over an alleged USD 12 million tax fraud and misappropriation in the signing of Brazilian striker Neymar last year.

Rosell, who arrived at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid with the club's general manager, Antoni Rossich, Tuesday defended the legality of the deal in a three-hour appearance before judges, reports Efe.

He insisted that the signing of Neymar cost the club USD 77 million, of which USD 23 million went to Neymar's former club Santos and USD 54 million to a company owned by the player's father.

Rosell resigned last January after being charged with hiding the real price of Neymar and avoiding the payment of USD 12 million in taxes.

The newspaper El Mundo alleged the total cost of Neymar's transfer was USD 128 million.